LeVar Burton Reads
The best short fiction, handpicked by the best voice in podcasting and presented in 3D immersive audio. In every episode, host LeVar Burton (Roots, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek) invites you to take a break from your daily life, and dive into a great story. LeVar’s narration blends with gorgeous soundscapes to bring stories by Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Nnedi Okorafor, Kurt Vonnegut, Ken Liu and more to life. So, if you’re ready, let’s take a deep breath...
Our immersive audio is best with headphones! If you'd prefer to listen without immersive audio, visit levarburtonpodcast.com/mono.
Latest episodes
Sep 8, 2020 • 40min
"Cricket" by Kenneth Yu
A family is both delighted and troubled by the visitation of a peculiar insect. "Cricket" was published in Lauriat: A Filipino-Chinese Speculative Fiction Anthology.Content advisory: violence
Sep 1, 2020 • 36min
"Room for Rent" by Richie Narvaez
A family in dire straits must share their new home with a different species. This story was published in Latinx Rising: An Anthology of Latinx Science Fiction and Fantasy.Content advisory: violence, death/dying
Aug 25, 2020 • 55min
"The Nine Curves River" by R. F. Kuang
A girl escorts her younger sister on an important and life-altering journey, while thinking back on their relationship and the nature of sacrifice.
Content advisory: violence
Aug 18, 2020 • 39min
"Your Rover is Here" by LP Kindred
A rideshare driver must spring into action when his passenger casts a dangerous and deadly spell.
Content advisory: explicit language, violence, terrorism
Aug 11, 2020 • 42min
"Pockets" by Amal El-Mohtar
What could it mean to reach into your pocket and pull out... something that wasn't there before? Find more from Amal El-Mohtar at www.amalelmohtar.com.
Aug 4, 2020 • 29min
A Conversation with James McBride (and News About Season 7!)
You heard that correctly -- we're coming back for a new season starting August 11! So make sure to hit subscribe if you haven't already, and check out LeVar's recent conversation with James McBride, author of "Goat" from our very first live show.
This virtual book tour stop was presented by Linda McLoughlin Figel of {pages} a bookstore, and by Eso Won Books. We suggest ordering your copy of James McBride's new novel, DEACON KING KONG, online from either of these fine independent booksellers!www.pagesabookstore.comwww.esowonbookstore.com
Apr 14, 2020 • 46min
"The Foster Portfolio" by Kurt Vonnegut
A financial advisor meets his new client: a hardworking, unassuming man with a curious and potentially life-changing secret."The Foster Portfolio" is from WELCOME TO THE MONKEY HOUSE by Kurt Vonnegut. Copyright © 1968 by Kurt Vonnegut, used by permission of The Wylie Agency LLC.
Apr 7, 2020 • 44min
"Recitatif" by Toni Morrison, Part 2
Join us for the conclusion to Toni Morrison's tale. Twyla and Roberta's longstanding and complicated friendship becomes more challenging as they become adults.
Content advisory: archaic/derogatory language
Mar 31, 2020 • 38min
"Recitatif" by Toni Morrison, Part 1
Two young girls, abandoned by the world, are drawn together.
Content advisory: archaic/derogatory language
Mar 24, 2020 • 42min
"Let Those Who Would" by Genevieve Valentine
A dystopian society tackles fake news.
Content advisory: violence
